2017 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · OY17 RZP

The 2017 Ford Fiesta presents a complex roadworthiness picture marked by a pattern of recurring failures that spans nearly five years, with the most recent successful MOT on 2026-03-12 following a series of adverse results. Between 2023 and 2025 the vehicle experienced a failed MOT on 2023-03-17 due to a central front exhaust system insecurely attached and persisting rear axle swivel pin and bushing wear, followed by another failure on 2024-03-04 involving misaligned front and rear headlamps along with non-functional rear stop lamps. While the March 2026 test passed with no defects, the cumulative history indicates that underlying mechanical issues have persisted and only partially resolved, suggesting that surface-level repairs were insufficient to address the systemic degradation evident in the earlier test results. At 64,385 miles on a nine-year-old model, the vehicle accumulates approximately 7,154 miles annually—a figure that appears typical for its age and usage class. However, the timing of the MOT intervals reveals an anomaly worth noting: the 2022 and 2023 MOTs occurred just six months apart, yet both showed either clean records or the same set of rear tyre and axle complaints, before the 2024 failure introduced new lighting deficiencies. This clustering of rear axle swivel pin and bush deterioration alongside the repeated tyre wear issues implies that the chassis and suspension assembly have been subjected to accelerated stress, possibly through rough driving conditions or inadequate maintenance during the period between the 2022 and 2023 assessments. The mileage alone does not tell the full story, but when paired with the documented failure pattern, it paints a picture of a car where component life has been exceeded in critical areas despite the overall moderate odometer reading. The front light system requires particular attention given the multiple failures recorded across different MOT dates. Two separate failures listed nearside and offside front headlamp aim settings too low, compounded by a non-working nearside front headlamp on dipped beams, and a complete absence of rear stop lamp operation. During a test drive, the buyer should verify that headlamps illuminate correctly at various angles and distances, checking for proper aiming on bends and ensuring the rear stop lamps engage fully when activated. The inconsistent headlamp performance across two distinct test failures suggests a potential electrical grounding issue or mechanical linkage fault that could manifest unpredictably under real-world driving conditions. The rear axle assembly represents perhaps the most concerning element based on the MOT history, with swivel pins and bush wear reported on both sides starting in 2023 and continuing through subsequent tests. On a test drive, listening for any clicking or grinding through the front axle during cornering or acceleration can help identify early signs of bushing degradation, while a visual inspection should confirm that the rear axle swing arm moves freely without binding. Additionally, the central front exhaust system being insecure with a snapped front flexi bar warrants a thorough acoustic and tactile check for rattling or loose connections when the engine is running. Given the 2026-03-12 pass, the buyer should prioritise confirming that all previously flagged issues have been definitively repaired and that the vehicle passes practical checks on lighting symmetry, rear wheel condition, and exhaust stability before committing to the purchase.